Lightning Returns

Final Fantasy is a franchise that isn’t what it used to be. To say it has stumbled this generation would be an understatement. The release of the Japanese role-playing game used to be an event that all but guaranteed sick days and marathon gaming sessions, but now, it generates a mild enthusiasm, a quick flare of excitement before it’s overshadowed by a bigger-name title.

With the Final Fantasy XIIIchapter, Square Enix has been struggling to find its footing with the new hardware. The first entry was criticized for being too linear. It was. The sequel, Final Fantasy XIII-2, tried to correct those flaws by letting players make the choices and drive the narrative. With the third and final installment in this saga, Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII, Square Enix is trying once again to find the right formula.